A dramatic incident unfolded in Enugu when a passenger was forcibly removed from a domestic flight after repeatedly refusing to switch off his mobile phone during take-off and landing. The situation comes amid newly enforced strict regulations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which mandates passengers to fully comply with safety instructions regarding electronic devices onboard. According to eyewitnesses, the passenger ignored several warnings from flight attendants and continued using his phone despite being told that it posed potential safety risks during critical phases of the flight.
The cabin crew alerted security officials after the passenger became defiant, leading to a confrontation that was captured on video. The footage, which has since gone viral on social media, shows airport security personnel entering the aircraft and dragging the passenger out of his seat as others looked on in shock. The NCAA has defended the action, stressing that safety regulations are non-negotiable and must be adhered to by all travelers.
Officials explained that mobile devices can interfere with aircraft communication and navigation systems, particularly during take-off and landing, when precision is critical. They also warned that stricter penalties, including fines and travel bans, could be applied to non-compliant passengers going forward.
The incident has sparked debate among Nigerians, with some supporting the enforcement as necessary for flight safety, while others criticized the handling of the situation as excessive. Aviation analysts, however, maintain that the rules are in line with international safety standards and must be respected to prevent potential risks. For now, the NCAA has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on violations, urging travelers to follow crew instructions at all times to ensure smooth and safe air travel.